“No program in place” to help fund $4.4 million shortfall in Malloy Drainage project

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

The Provincial government has declined requests from the Town of Coaldale and Lethbridge County to fund funding shortfalls with respect to Phase 2B of the Malloy basin drainage project.

Earlier this year, a letter went out to the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, requesting additional funding to complete phase 2B of the Malloy drainage implementation project in Coaldale.

A letter addressed to the Town of Coaldale and Lethbridge County reads, “while there is currently no provincial program available to fund the anticipated $4.4 million dollar shortfall (the ministry of) environment and protected areas will continue working with the Town of Coaldale to assist with any flood mitigation needs.”

Earlier this summer, County council has previously passed a motion to support an increase in their financial contribution, which was contingent on receiving additional funding support from the Province.

CAO Cole Beck said, “as we did not receive that for the Malloy Drainage, we haven’t had any subsequent meetings. There probably will be more discussion and we have to strategize on what the next steps are,” and added there will likely be more requests coming forward, which council can discuss at an upcoming council meeting.